Proverbs 8:1-21

Wisdom Calls

1 Does not wisdom call, and understanding raise its voice?
2 {Atop the heights} beside the road, at the crossroads she stands.
3 Beside gates, before towns, [at the] entrance of doors, she cries out:
4 "To you, O {people}, I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind.
5 Learn prudence, O simple ones; fools, learn {intelligence}.
6 Listen! For noble things I will speak, and upright things from the opening of my lips.
7 My mouth will utter truth, and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.
8 All sayings of my mouth [are] in righteousness; none of them are twisted and crooked.
9 All of them are straight to him who understands, and upright to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my teaching and not silver; may you choose knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than jewels, and all desires shall not compare with her.
12 I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of Yahweh [is] hatred of evil, pride, and arrogance and an evil way. And I hate a mouth of perversity.
14 {Advice and sound judgment} are mine; I am understanding, {strength is mine}.
15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree righteousness.
16 By me rulers rule, and nobles--all judges of righteousness.
17 I love {those who love me}, and those who seek me diligently shall find me.
18 Fortune and glory [are] with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even refined gold, and my yield than choice silver.
20 In the way of righteousness I walk, in the midst of paths of justice,
21 [in order] to endow those who love me [with] wealth, and I will fill their treasuries.

Footnotes 7

  • [a]. Literally "At a head of the heights"
  • [b]. Literally "men"
  • [c]. Literally "heart"
  • [d]. Literally "To/for me are advice and sound judgment"
  • [e]. Literally "to/for me is strength"
  • [f]. Literally "her lovers"
  • [g]. Literally "fine gold"
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.